BIG BLAZE IN WELLINGTON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9096, 23 May 1908, Page 4

BIG BLAZE IN WELLINGTON.

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO BUSINESS PREMISES. FIRE ADJACENT TO GENERAL POST OF* ICE. FANNED BY STRONG WIND. TELEGRAPH OPERATORS VACATE THEIR QUARTERS. (By Telephone—Special to Age). WELLINGTON, Last Night • A fire of considerable magnitude broke out this evening in the block of buildings (mostly wooden) at the rear of the General Post Office, and standing in the same block. The premises affected are those of Messrs J. J. O'Brien, carrying agency; Ekina, gunsmith, the Government employment bureau, G, A. Gannaway, produce agent, W. G. Appleton, indentor and manufacturer. The State Fire Insurance Offices are also threatened. The Post Office, liaving'ii re-proof iron doors, is not considered to be seriously endangered, but the reords are being removed, while the telegraph operators had to leave the building about 1 o'clock. The fire appeared! to have beers got in hand by the brigade at one stage, but a wind sprang up, which gave it fresh vigour. It is expected, however, that the fire will be confined to the block. The Post Office is rot considered i to be in danger. The buildings destroyed stands upon the ground, which is to be occupied by the contemplated extension to the General Post Office, and was taken over by the Government some time back. LATER PARTICULARS. TELEGRAPH COMMUNICATION RESTORED. B® TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION. . WELLINGTON, Midnight, The fire took two hours to oppress It is impossible at present to estimate the damage, but the extent is uninsured, because a portion of the premises burned were recently vacated with a view to early rebuilding operations. Telegraphic service was maintained as long as possible, but at about ten o'clock work had to he suspended, the smoke and heat driving the operators from the premises. Work,, however, was resumed a quarter of an. hour before midnight.